Best Medication For ADHD

Most teenagers and children who are taking ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They feel calmer and more focused with their schoolwork. Some people may experience a slight slowing in their growth or a rise in heart rate or bloodpressure when they are taking these drugs.

The medications are available in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and pills (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It comes in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release and sustained-release.

Stimulants

One of the best medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals regulate the prefrontal cortex, often known as the "secretary of the brain" because it assists in organizing and planning skills.

Stimulants are available both in short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting medicines peak in 30 to 45 minutes, and need to be taken twice or three times per day. These include methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they all work in similarly in improving focus and attention. There are also extended-release versions of certain stimulant medications. They are a better option because they last for 8 to 12 hours and are generally taken only every day. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to create beverages, while some are pills.

Finding the right medication given for adhd can take some time. Your doctor will observe how does medication for adhd work you respond to the various types of medications and will adjust the dosage if needed. Medications should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include behavioral therapy and support services.

Non-stimulant adhd and anxiety medication medication takes a bit longer to work however it can help you feel in control, increase your concentration and impulsivity, and improve your focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use for a longer period of time. They also have less side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor could prescribe additional medications from this group which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).

Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants can also be prescribed to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat adhd medication titration (Recommended Webpage). These medications are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants fail to work or have too many adverse effects.

Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your doctor. These medicines don't have immediate effects however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a distinct drug category than the other options and can trigger some side effects such as shaking hands or headaches. Your doctor may also suggest a low dose of an antidepressant, called bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects, including hearing ringing or changes in vision.